A ready reckoner on obesity

Obesity is a condition of excessive accumulation of body fat to the point that it has adverse effects on health. People with body mass index (BMI) more than  30% are considered as obese. Indians are turning obese at an alarming rate and obesity has spiked epidemic levels in India.

The causes of obesity are:

1. Lack of exercise and low level of physical activity.


2. Irregular and improper eating habits.  Eating a lot of junk food, high calorie food, that too, at wrong timings.


3. Emotional factors like stress and depression.


4. Hormonal imbalances and disorders like polycystic ovarian disease.


5. Genetic disorders.

The symptoms of obesity are:

1. Low energy levels


2. Shortness of  breath


3. Disinterest in physical activities


4. Pain in the back and joints.

Obesity can lead to:

1. Gout


2. Hypertension


3. Diabetes


4. Heart diseases


5. Sleep apnea – Breathing problems while sleeping


6. Arthritis


7. High cholesterol levels

Obesity can be dealt with by taking following steps:

1. Eat less and exercise more


2. Adapt to healthy food and eating habits


3. Avoid sedentary life; incorporate some physical activity in the daily routine


4. Treatment of medical conditions responsible for obesity like hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovarian disease, and depression


5. Surgeries like liposuction

So ascertain your ideal weight as per Body Mass Index, and start working towards achieving it.